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NYC Restaurant Week is in full swing, but host José Francisco Ávila notices a heartbreaking absence on the list of participating restaurants: a proper Garifuna restaurant. In this impassioned episode, José explores why a dedicated, sit-down Garifuna eatery is urgently needed in New York City. He

delves into the economic paradox of why past Garifuna restaurants have struggled, highlights the incredible talent within the community, and makes a heartfelt plea for a visionary entrepreneur to step up. This isn't just about food; it's about cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and finally giving Garifuna cuisine the stage it deserves in the city that has become home to its largest diaspora.

In this episode of the Garifuna Experience Podcast, host Jose Francisco Avila passionately discusses the urgent need for a dedicated Garifuna restaurant in New York City. He highlights the absence of such a culinary space amidst the city's diverse food scene, emphasizing the cultural and economic significance of Garifuna cuisine. Avila calls for community support and action to establish a restaurant that can serve as a cultural hub, promote local businesses, and showcase the rich culinary heritage of the Garifuna people.

Resources:

The Garífuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tour

The Garifuna Experience in NYC

The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour

Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxNet Video)

WEIGA/Let’s Eat! - Tastefully Garifuna

Bare Feet in NYC: Garifuna (Bronx)

Seis Vecinos Restaurant

Books by José Francisco Ávila

Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

Garífuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past